Hearing Aids - Find the Perfect One For You

Finding the perfect hearing aid involves matching your lifestyle, budget and hearing loss with the perfect hearing aid brand, model and style. Hearing Choices works with all the leading hearing aids which means we can find one suitable for you, no matter you budget.

Use our hearing aid finder to find the perfect pair of hearing aids for you!

The Latest Hearing Aid Models

Phonak Audeo Marvel

Release Date: 2018
FROM $1800
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  • Autosense OS automatically based on your environment.
  • Direct phone streaming for both iPhones and Androids.
  • Excellent performance in noisy environments.

Resound Quattro

Release Date: 2018
FROM $2,600
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  • Unprecedented sound quality with best in class dynamic range
  • Made for iPhone and Android (TBA) to stream music and calls
  • Amazing rechargeable lithium ion batteries and convenient power pack

Starkey Muse IQ

Release Date: 2018
FROM $2300
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  • Compatible with Starkey's range of SurfLink Accessories
  • IQ technology provides excellent sound quality and a natural listening experience
  • Available in a wide variety of styles and technology levels

Widex Evoke

Release Date: 2018
FROM 1800
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  • Made for iPhone which allows direct streaming for music and phone calls.
  • Uses algorithms and machine learning to learn your preferences over time and adjust seamlessly.
  • Great performance for music and in difficult listening situations.

Choose A Hearing Aid Style

There are two major styles of hearing aids, the most popular is the tiny RIC device that sits behind the ear followed by the tiny invisible hearing aid which sits within the ear canal. You can find some Pro’s and Con’s of each style below. Click the links to find the latest models for each style

INVISIBLE
HEARING AIDS

  • Tiny discrete devices that can be invisible to others.
  • Generally easiery to use on the telephone.
  • Less powerful hearing aids due to smaller size and can cause a “blocked” feeling in the ear.
VIEW LATEST INVISIBLE HEARING AIDS

RECEIVER IN THE CANAL
HEARING AIDS

  • Suitable for a wider range and types of hearing loss.
  • Dual microphones give better performance in noise.
  • More visible than invisible hearing options
VIEW LATEST RIC HEARING AIDS
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It can be very difficult to compare brands of hearing aid device manufacturers. The hearing device market is a diverse one with many players. It can be hard to know where to start. You’re not alone. As Independent  provider we can help you better decide on which device is for you.

We offer the best hearing solutions from all of the big brands. At Hearing Choices we work with the leading manufacturers, together with our partner of network clinics located around Australia, we will help you find the very best hearing aid to suit your lifestyle, budget and hearing loss.

Choosing the right brand or model for you doesn’t have to be confusing, a hearing choices consultant can help guide you through different options no matter your needs or budget.

Hearing Services Program

Often referred to as the ‘voucher system’ for hearing aids, this Australian government office was set up to assist eligible people gain access to hearing services. You may be eligible to receive fully subsidised hearing services if you fall in to any of the following categories:

  • Senior Australian holding a Pensioner Concession card
  • receiving a Sickness Allowance from Centrelink
  • Department of Veteran’s Affairs – Gold and White card holder
  • a dependent person of either above category
  • Australian Defence Force member
  • referred by Disability Employment Services Program
  • a participant in the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)

There are other groups of people eligible to receive fully subsidised hearing services through what is known as the Community Service Obligations (CSO) of the Hearing Services Program. Australian Hearing is the only hearing service provider who can provide hearing care under the CSO program. You may be eligible to receive hearing services through this program if you are:

  • a person from the above group who: has complex hearing or communication needs, or lives in a remote area
  • an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person who is: over 50 years of age or a participant in the Community Development Program and the Community Development Employment Projects
  • under 26 years of age if: you are an Australian citizen, or you are a permanent resident of Australia, or you are a young NDIS participant

You can check your eligibility on the Hearing Services Program website.

How Do I Access Services If I Meet The Criteria?

If you think you are eligible to receive subsidised hearing services you will need to apply for a voucher. You can apply in the following ways:

  • online
  • Visit a hearing services provider who can help you apply. Not all Hearing Healthcare Providers are registered hearing services providers. You can check if your Audiologist or Audiometrist is a provider here.
  • Download a paper application form here.
  • Phone the Hearing Services Program on 1800 500 726 for an application to be mailed to you.

Once you have applied and you are deemed eligible, you will receive a Welcome Pack that will include information on the program and a list of hearing services providers in your area. You will need a medical certificate from your GP to take with you to your chosen provider. This is a requirement so the provider can claim for services provided to you.

Under the hearing services program, you can expect the following:

  • a number of tests to assess the status of your hearing and if a hearing device will be of assistance to you
  • a full subsidised or partially-subsidised hearing aid (make sure you know what you are being offered and if you are required to pay any money)
  • follow up appointments to ensure your hearing aid is working properly and you are receiving appropriate benefit from it.
  • you may be asked to enter into a maintenance agreement which is a small fee that covers maintenance and batteries for your chosen hearing aid

Health Insurance Benefits For Buying Hearing Aids

Before you purchase any hearing devices it’s important to know how much rebate you will get from your health insurance company – and every health insurance company is different! Below is an overview of Australian Health Insurance funds who provide rebates for hearing aids: (check the waiting period of your company)

CompanyRebate (depending on level of cover)
ACA HealthUp to $1500 per person
ahm Health InsuranceUp to $1600 per person
Australian UnityUp to $600 per person
BupaUp to $1200 per person
CBHS Health FundUp to $1600 per person
Cessnock District Health FundUp to $750 per person
CUA Health InsuranceUp to $800 per person
Defence HealthUp to $1500 per person
Doctors Health FundUp to $800 per person
GMF Health InsuranceUp to $860 per person
GMHBA Health Insurance AustraliaUp to $1500 per person
HBF Health InsuranceUp to $1000 per person
HCF Health InsuranceUp to $800 per person
Health.com.auUp to $500 per person
Health Care InsuranceUp to $3,320 per person
HIF Health InsuranceUp to $550 per person
Latrobe Health InsuranceUp to $1000 per person
MedibankUp to $400 per person
Mildura Health FundUp to $1000 per person
Navy HealthUp to $1300 per person
Nib health insuranceUp to $1200 per person
OnemedifundUp to $1500 per person
Peoplecare Health FundUp to $1500 per person
Police HealthUp to $1200 per person
Phoenix Health FundUp to $900 per person
Reserve Bank Health SocietyUp to $5540 per person
RT Health InsuranceUp to $1200 per person
Teachers Health FundUp to $1200 per person
Teachers Health FundUp to $1000 per person
TUHUp to $2000 per person
Westfund Health InsuranceUp to $2000 per person

There are many styles of hearing aids, and you should have a good understanding of these before you select your hearing aid. The style you choose will depend on your preference, your hearing loss, and what your Hearing Healthcare Professional considers the most appropriate for your hearing needs. It’s best to keep in mind that what you want, may not be the most appropriate style for your hearing and/or your lifestyle. Discuss your preferences with an open mind to discover the pros and cons of each style.

Hearing Aid Styles

  • Behind-The-Ear (BTE) – The most familiar style of hearing aid with all components cased in a piece that sits behind the ear and is connected to an ear mould (custom or dome piece), which carries the sound into your ear canal. These hearing aids are usually the most powerful ones.
  • Receiver-In-Canal (RIC) – Being a smaller BTE hearing aid, this is a discreet style of hearing aid. These can come in a variety of styles or sizes, depending on what the manufacturer develops. They have an ultra-thin tube carrying a wire to a dome or custom made ear piece (ear mould), which holds the hearing aid receiver. This part, as the name suggests, sits in the ear canal.
  • In-The-Ear (ITE) – A custom made hearing aid, where a hearing professional takes an impression of your ear. Being the largest inside the ear style it will accommodate hearing losses up to the severe range. The ITE is easier to handle for those with dexterity issues.
  • In-The-Canal (ITC) – A smaller version of the ITE and can come in a variety of sizes, depending on what the manufacturer develops. The ITC offers a more discreet hearing aid style, with a smaller portion of the hearing aid visible in the outer part of your ear.
  • Completely-In-Canal (CIC) – Hidden completely in the canal, this tiny device is barely visible. This device will have a thin, clear removal handle (think fishing line). The removal handle is the only part that can be seen outside the ear canal.
  • Invisible-In-Canal (IIC) – This style sits deep in the ear canal and is custom-made hearing aid. A very deep impression of your ear canal is required for this type of aid. IICs are completely invisible in most ears.

What’s New In Hearing Aid Technology?

It seems that every day there’s a new breakthrough in hearing aid technology – sometimes it’s hard to keep track! Check back here regularly to see what’s new and exciting in hearing aids.

  • Own Voice Processing – OVP by Signia – Clinical studies have shown that most hearing aid users don’t like the sound of their own voice through their hearing aids. Signia took this information seriously and set out to develop the OVP – Own Voice Processing feature. Evidence suggests that if your own voice sounds more natural, you are more likely to accept your new hearing aid and get used to wearing it very quickly. Signia tested this with unhappy hearing aid users and found that 80% had significant improvement in hearing aid acceptability with OVP. Read about the benefits of OVP here.
  • Marvel at the new – Phonak Audeo Marvel – Released in late 2018, this hearing aid claims breakthrough technology as it supports direct streaming to both ears for both Android and iPhone devices. Using artificial intelligence to learn and adapt from your listening environment, the Marvel will provide you with an unmatched listening experience. It utilises lithium-ion rechargeable batteries and comes with a suite of smart apps – ‘eSolutions’. Read more about this marvellous hearing aid here.
  • Healthable Hearing Aids – meet the Starkey Livio AI – With the release date of April 2019, the world’s first ‘Healthable’ hearing aid is much anticipated. Not only will this hearing aid give wearers remarkable hearing in all listening situations, it will also track their brain and body health. It comes with a translator feature enabling more fulfilling travel experiences for users. Plus the motion sensors in the hearing aid add another feature – the fall detector. You can set up the hearing aid to contact loved ones immediately should you have a fall. This is a brilliant inclusion in an already packed-full of features hearing aid. Read more about this whole new world of hearing possibilities here.

Hearing HealthCare Providers – Audiologist vs Audiometrist

Who is your Hearing HealthCare Provider? Are they Audiologist or an Audiometrist? And what’s the difference?

Audiologists are university-trained professionals in the assessment and rehabilitation of hearing loss for both adults and children. Audiologists work in hearing centres, hospitals, community health, research centres and private practice. They also have in-depth training in diagnostic assessments of hearing and balance disorders. In Australia, only Audiologists can fit hearing aids to children.

Audiometrists are vocationally-trained (usually at TAFE) in the assessment and rehabilitation of hearing loss for adults. Audiometrists mostly work in hearing centres but also work in community health, hospitals and private practice. Some Audiometrists are trained in basic hearing testing for children.

There are a lot of similarities in these professionals, but most importantly they are there to care for you and your hearing needs. Both professional groups are thoroughly trained in the fitting of hearing aids and the rehabilitation process that follows fitting of the device. Communication goals and hearing tactics are an important part of this process.

Make sure your Hearing HealthCare Professional outlines how they will help you reach your goal of optimising your hearing to its greatest potential. Your Hearing HealthCare Professional should belong to one of three professional bodies to ensure they meet the standards of the Hearing HealthCare Industry:

  • Audiology Australia
  • Australian College of Audiology
  • Hearing Aid Audiology Society of Australia

What Is An Audiogram?

An audiogram is a graph where your Hearing Healthcare Professional records your hearing test results. Think of it as an inverted graph that shows how well your left ear (the ‘cross’ marks – sometimes in blue) and your right ear (the ‘circle’ marks – sometimes in red) hear. The closer your crosses and circles are to the top of the graph, the better your hearing is.

The graph not only shows how loud the sound had to be made before you heard it, but it also looks at what pitches or ‘frequencies’ in the speech spectrum are affected. When you have your hearing test you will hear tones of various pitches and the clinician is trying to find out the softest sounds you can hear across the frequency range of the speech sounds we commonly hear.

You may have other tests at your hearing assessment appointment (speech tests, middle ear analysis, for example), but the audiogram is the basis of the assessment and what is used predominantly to ‘prescribe’ an appropriate hearing aid for you. Make sure you understand what the audiogram is telling you about your hearing range. Ask questions so you get an idea of how this could be affecting your communication and what is the best option moving forward to get your hearing to the best it can be.

Browse Our Brand Comparisons

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